The Madras High Court has observed that a woman’s dignity cannot be left at the mercy of fake social media profiles or morphed images. Justice Victoria Gowri directed the police to verify the complaint immediately and register an FIR if a cognisable offence is found.
The observations came while hearing a petition filed by the brother of a woman working as a housekeeper in Singapore. According to the petition, unidentified persons allegedly morphed her photographs and circulated obscene images and videos through social media platforms.
The petitioner alleged that the accused demanded money to remove the content and continued sharing it after the family refused to pay. He also informed the court that despite approaching the police and the District Collector, no action had been taken, forcing him to seek relief from the High Court.
During the hearing, the State assured the court that the complaint would be verified and appropriate action would be taken under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and the Information Technology Act. The court clarified that the woman’s absence from India does not reduce the responsibility of Indian law enforcement agencies.
Justice Victoria Gowri observed that a morphed image is not a harmless digital prank. The court described it as a calculated attack on a person’s privacy, reputation and emotional security. It also stressed that the law must respond as swiftly as the unlawful content spreads online.
The High Court further observed that such incidents cannot be treated as private disputes. It said online sexual harassment, photo morphing, fake social media profiles, threats to circulate explicit content and extortion amount to a serious violation of bodily privacy, dignity, reputation and the right to life guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.
The court finally directed the Superintendent of Police, Dindigul District, to monitor the investigation and ensure that it is completed as quickly as possible. It asked the authorities to preferably finish the investigation within four weeks.
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